Madrid
Completed

Obra Invitada: Celebrating Josefa Vargas, the Bolera Dancer, at Museo del Romanticismo

This special exhibition explores Antonio María Esquivel's 1850 portrait of the celebrated Romantic-era Spanish dancer.

Delve into the artistry and cultural importance of 'La bailaora Josefa Vargas,' a renowned 1850 portrait. The Museo del Romanticismo presents this significant work by Antonio María Esquivel as part of its 'Obra Invitada' program. Explore the historical context of bolera dance and its connection to 19th-century Spanish culture through this engaging presentation. The exhibition highlights the expressiveness and stage presence of a celebrated dancer.

About Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’ at Museo del Romanticismo in Madrid

Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’ at Museo del Romanticismo in Madrid

Exhibition summary

This exhibition, 'Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’', showcases the portrait of the renowned bolera dancer Josefa Vargas, painted by Antonio María Esquivel in 1850. The exhibition, part of the museum's 'Obra Invitada' program and its celebration of dance, contextualizes the artwork within the Romantic period and the cultural significance of bolera dance.

Curatorial context

The Museo del Romanticismo presents 'Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’', a temporary exhibition focusing on a significant portrait of the celebrated bolera dancer Josefa Vargas. Painted in 1850 by Antonio María Esquivel, a prominent Romantic artist, the work is loaned by the Fundación Casa de Alba from the Palacio de Las Dueñas. This exhibition is part of the museum's ongoing 'Obra Invitada' program, designed to enrich the understanding of Romanticism by temporarily displaying pieces from other collections and contextualizing the museum's permanent holdings. This year's 'Obra Invitada' aligns with the museum's thematic year of dance. The portrait of Josefa Vargas, a dancer who achieved significant popularity in the mid-19th century, is presented with a theatrical staging to evoke the atmosphere of her performances. The exhibition also includes a musical playlist for enhanced contextualization, delving into the history and characteristics of the bolera dance, which was highly popular during the Romantic era. Josefa Vargas, born in 1828, was a celebrated dancer across Spain, known for her expressiveness and stage presence. The exhibition also serves as a prelude to an international congress on Spanish dance (1836-1936) hosted by the museum, concluding a year of programming dedicated to dance in the 19th century.

Admission and ticket notes

The exhibition is located in Sala XXV at the Museo Nacional del Romanticismo. General opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, and Sundays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Further information can be obtained via email at [email protected] or by phone at 914481045. Specific ticketing details for this exhibition are not provided, but it is likely included with general museum admission.

Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’ key exhibition facts

Review exhibition status, schedule, venue context, and attribution details for Obra Invitada: ‘La bailaora Josefa Vargas’ at Museo del Romanticismo in Madrid

Venue
Museo del Romanticismo
Current status
Completed
Exhibition schedule
Nov 23, 2021 – Feb 27, 2022
Artist line / attribution
The exhibition features the portrait of the bolera dancer Josefa Vargas, painted in 1850 by Antonio María Esquivel y Suárez de Urbina (1806-1857), a prominent Romantic artist known for his portraiture and costumbrista works.
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